With drug related felonies overwhelming the court system at all levels of government, criminal justice professionals have long recognized the proven benefits of Drug Courts. In Western Virginia, 8 new local drug courts are authorized effective July 1, 2012.

Washington County’s DREAM Court began in recognition by the judiciary that education and treatment – not simply confinement - are critical to true recovery for addicts. DREAM Court team members from Highlands Community Services, the defense bar, the Sheriff’s Department, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office and Probation and Parole were trained for a week on how to conduct a drug court. With a year’s worth of drug screens, group treatment, AA meetings, and court monitored progress, the DREAM Court proudly produced its first graduate on Friday.